Thief steals charity donation boxes

POLICE are hunting a thief who broke into a newsagent's in Leigham and made off with a large amount of money destined for deserving charities.

- By CARL EVE

Investigators say the burglary happened this week in the early hours of Thursday, at Lee's News in Thurlestone Walk.

After breaking in at around 2.38am, the raider remained in the property for no more than five minutes.

However, in that brief amount of time they took a cash tray, three charity boxes, cigarettes, tobacco and scratch cards.

The suspect is believed to have headed north west along Thurlestone Walk, either alongside or towards the Forder Valley nature reserve.

Police have learned from shop staff that the charities are nominated by local residents to support worthwhile causes.